Patek Philippe

• cal. 28-20 manual winding nickel lever movement stamped with the Geneva seal, one-minute tourbillon carriage with Gyromax balance • matt black dial, diamond-set indexes, subsidiary dials for seconds with red hand and 10-day power reserve, white gold feuille hands • platinum rectangular case with stepped sides, chamfered ends, diamond accent between the lugs at 6 o'clock, sapphire crystal display back secured by 4 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Patek Philippe buckle

The present watch is in mint condition and protected in the factory plastic bag (possible re-sealed due to custom checking). Please note the movement has not been tested for time keeping. Please also note that the plastic bag will need to be cut open and the strap will need to be taken out if an overseas shipment is requested to be arranged after sold. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, instruction manual, special leather folder and presentation box with outer packaging.

Offered for the first time at auction, this exceptionally rare custom ordered example of Ref.5101 fitted with a matte-black dial, diamond indexes and red subsidiary hands is, in our opinion, the most attractive Ref.5101 known to the market. The visual aspect of the model when fitted with a black dial, replacing the standard salmon colour, within a platinum case very much changes the overall look of the watch. Specially ordered in this configuration this is the only known example of this dial and the first time any Ref.5101 with a special-order dial has appeared at auction.

Patek Philippe launched the Ref. 5101P in 2003 as a tribute to a vintage rectangular tourbillon wristwatch produced circa 1956 and illustrated in Huber, M. & Banberry, A., Patek Philippe Pocket Watches, Vol. 1 Second Edition, pp. 178-179.  The impressive triple-stepped case was inspired by the firm’s legendary Art Deco designs.  This watch carries a combinations of  two rare complications, which took Patek Philippe engineers three years to develop a new tourbillon movement able to withstand the torque tolerances required to allow the watch to run for 10 days and when launched was the first of its kind. To prevent the minute wheel from obstructing the view of the tourbillon from the reverse, the entire going train was relocated to the dial side.  The tourbillon is now showcased on the bridge side as the dominant element and is beautifully revealed through the sapphire crystal display back.  The rotating cage alone is composed of 72 miniscule individual parts, and only weighs 0.3 grams. Powered by tandem mainsprings to provide the 10-day power reserve, both barrels are wound simultaneously, the larger barrel wound directly and transferring power to the smaller.  The first barrel is equipped with a system containing a slipping bridle, which prevents both mainsprings from being over-wound and disengages the barrels when they have reached their winding limit.  It takes a Patek Philippe watchmaker up to 3 months to produce a Ref. 5101 from beginning to end.